About Teens

About

The Downtown Teen Space, the Ellettsville Teen Space, and the Southwest Teen Space are great places for teens ages 12–19 to make, create, and hang out! These spaces facilitate teen leadership, creativity, collaborative work, quiet study, and recreation. They include DIY design studios, books, music, board games, video games, cozy spots, virtual reality, and more!

We promote a dynamic and supportive environment during after-school hours and on weekends when teens from multiple community middle and high schools drop by to participate in events and hang out with their friends. Staff focus on developing positive, pro-social, developmentally appropriate relationships with the teens and offering programs and services that are both fun and educational, such as Maker Lab, Teen Artist Club, D&D Club, Smash Bros. Tournaments, and Miniature Painting. MCPL Teen Services periodically hosts after-hours events for patrons. For more information, check out our FAQ about these events.

We also support the reading lives of teens and their families through the creation of staff picks lists, fostering a dynamic and engaging collection, and providing high-caliber readers' advisory services. While the books in the teen spaces have been selected for teens ages 12–19, the titles span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adult caregivers to take an active role in helping individual teens choose books that are the best fit for them and their families.

Both spaces follow our behavioral rules and media relations policy for the safety and comfort of all users.

Teen Services Online

Join us on Discord for all your virtual teen space fun, 24/7! To join you must be between the ages of 13–19 and live in Monroe County. Fill out this form or talk to a teen librarian to participate!

All-Ages Days

The second Sunday (and fourth Saturday through July) from 12–6 PM of each month is open to all ages at Downtown Teen Space. The fourth Saturday from 12–6 PM of each month is open to all ages at the Ellettsville Teen Space. The third Saturday from 12–6 PM is open for all ages at the Southwest Branch.

Volunteers

In order to promote a community of mentorship and to build relationships among teens in Monroe County and the wider population, we offer many volunteer opportunities. Those with an interest in working with teens to facilitate digital creativity, technological exploration, artistic creation, or recreation are encouraged to fill out a volunteer application. Teens are also encouraged to volunteer within these spaces to mentor other teens, share knowledge, and enhance the experience of all users.